China Daily Global Edition (USA)

China, Djibouti sign pacts on tech, finance

Agricultur­e also among deals as Beijing will provide loans beneficial to African nation

- By AN BAIJIE in Beijing anbeijie@chinadaily.com.cn

China and Djibouti signed three cooperatio­n documents covering such areas as the economy and technology, finance and agricultur­e on Thursday during Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh’s state visit.

According to one document, China will provide beneficial loans to Djibouti. The cooperatio­n documents were signed at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing and witnessed by President Xi Jinping and Guelleh.

The two presidents agreed to establish a China-Djibouti strategic partnershi­p and deepen cooperatio­n in all areas.

Before their talks, Xi hosted a grand ceremony in the capital to welcome the African leader.

Since the establishm­ent of diplomatic relations 38 years ago, China and Djibouti have boosted mutual understand­ing and respect, supported each other’s core interests and major concerns and set an example for China-Africa friendship, Xi said.

China would push forward practical cooperatio­n with Djibouti in such areas as railways, seaports, constructi­on of a liquefied natural gas pipeline, free trade zone and agricultur­e, Xi said.

He said Beijing would continue to help Djibouti improve local medical facilities, broaden human resources cooperatio­n and boost people-to-people exchanges.

Noting that China attaches great importance to deepening relations with Djibouti, Xi called on joint efforts to push forward collaborat­ing on the Belt and Road Initiative, enhance cooperatio­n in all areas and benefit the people of both sides.

Xi expressed gratitude for Guelleh’s congratula­tory message on the success of last month’s 19th CPC National Congress and his reelection as general secretary of the CPC Central Committee.

The congress has made blueprints for China’s long-term developmen­t, Xi said, adding that China will continue to be a sincere friend and reliable partner for developing countries.

Since Guelleh became Djibouti’s president in 1999, he has led the people to explore a developmen­t path fitting for the country’s situation, maintained a stable political situation and achieved sustainabl­e economic and social developmen­t, Xi said.

Guelleh once again offered built the congratula­tions largest satellite on the communicat­ion success of the infrastruc­ture congress and on in Asia, Xi’s which re-election will help as general ensure communicat­ion secretary. quality. Djibouti would like to proactivel­y China introduced participat­e a ban in on the using Belt electronic and Road devices Initiative during and flights enhance in 1999 cooperatio­n due to safety with concerns. China by constructi­ng But starting infrastruc­ture Oct 1, airlines and were improving allowed to the decide people’s for livelihood­s, themselves whether Guelleh passengers said. Guelleh could use appreciate­d such devices.

As an increasing number China’s efforts in joining of passengers the United are Nations willing to peacekeepi­ng pay for onboard operations connectivi­ty, and Chinese fighting airlines pirates. are expected He expressed to generate up gratitude to 11.83 billion for China’s yuan ($1.78 key billion) role in in safeguardi­ng revenue from global offering peace such and service prosperity. in 2020, Carnoc.com, a major Chen Chinese Xiaodong, civil aviation assistant website, foreign forecast. minister, told Ma reporters Bin, a software that engineer the two in Beijing presidents who is exchanged frequently viewpoints on business trips, on said, the “That’s PLA’s Djibouti exactly what Logistics I need. Support I am willing Base, to which pay for was such officially service as establishe­d long as it does in not July. charge over 20 yuan an hour.”

 ?? FENG YONGBIN / CHINA DAILY ?? President Xi Jinping holds a ceremony to welcome President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti on Thursday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
FENG YONGBIN / CHINA DAILY President Xi Jinping holds a ceremony to welcome President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti on Thursday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

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